The 48th WorldSkills Competition began its first day on 23 September, with all 64 skills underway at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). More than a showcase of the world’s top young skilled professionals, the Competition provides a window into how skills are evolving alongside technology, industry and the changing world of work.

Seven skills are making their WorldSkills debut in Shanghai, drawing particular attention as they reflect emerging areas of the global economy. Behind each new skill is a growing field of work, creating new opportunities for skilled professionals and reshaping the skills needed for the industries of tomorrow.

Software Testing is among the new skills on the Competition programme. At the venue, Competitors work at their computers, writing and running code to identify problems and assess whether software meets requirements. Yang Jiyin, a testing engineer at the skill workshop, likens software testers to quality inspectors in the digital world. Their role is to examine systems such as e-commerce platforms and social networks, identify potential issues and ensure that products perform as intended.

Yang said that including Software Testing at WorldSkills expands opportunities to develop talent in the digital sector. He also believes that applying the standards and experience developed through the skill competition could help establish more consistent approaches to software testing education and training, while strengthening quality assurance across the internet and software industries.

The changing skills landscape is also evident beyond the Competition floor. At the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo, Guangzhou Communications Technician Institute is showcasing a training programme focused on AI and embodied intelligence. Liu Haibo, the institute’s vice-president, said the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and related industries is creating demand for new skills and occupations.

Embedding emerging technologies in vocational training can give young people a closer look at the technologies and industries shaping the future, Liu said. In this sense, WorldSkills is not only about measuring the skills needed today, but also about developing the ability to anticipate what comes next.

The seven new skills at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 offer seven new entry points into emerging fields. As industries evolve, they create new opportunities for skilled professionals to learn, innovate, and build careers.